Bellisimo Venezia

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We have been in Venice for the last couple of days. Whilst the weather has been very hot we have lived like Venetians in our third floor hostel and eaten local foods. Of course we have a gelati every day!! Today we lunched on pastries from the local patissiere. We have also played the tourist and visited islands and shopped for the glassware that is so famous here. My case in particular has gained some weight with prezzies and glass beads. Tomorrow, we head to Tuscany after doing a walking tour of the Dodges Palace in the morning.

The whole of this last week has been very hot - it appears Europe is experiencing a heat wave as temperatures are 8 - 10 degrees above average. Rome was sweltering, but we have learnt to buy water at the supermarkets to quench our thirst. Drinks at tourist stands can be up to 3-4 euros which is the Aussie equivalent of $6-7. We have bought food from markets and delis and supermarkets to try the local fare.

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